It took Riva-Rocci, together with a prussian general called Korotkoff, to develop the modern sphygmomanometer which was introduced into clinica practice in about 1905. The device that probably many of us still use today to measure blood pressure has changed very little from this early device. 44 It took Riva-Rocci, together with a Prussian general called Korotkoff, to develop the modern sphygmomanometer which was introduced into clinical practice in about 1905. The device that probably many of us still use today to measure blood pressure has changed very little from this early device